Cheap Trick
Live at The Whisky 1977

Real Gone Music
4 CD Box Set

A couple of years ago, RSD released an abbreviated sampler of tunes that were captured at this 1977 weekend stand at The Whisky a Go Go in LA. That album was great, but this is the full meal deal - four complete shows that you can listen to back-to-back to your heart's content.

While this is totally overkill for the average fan, it's an absolute must-have for the die-hard fans of Cheap Trick. The collection paints a picture of a hungry band on the rise, throwing everything they have against the wall in order to see what sticks. They are lean, mean, and tight. Every show is a barnburner, and only a handful of times do they ever miss the mark.

This is not polished. This is not Budokan. This is not a collection of studio-ready tunes that are being politely auditioned for an adoring audience. All the warts are there and completely on display - mics that drop out, missed lyrics, false starts, awkward stage patter, and drunken shouts from the crowd. I would argue that the warts make this more endearing. At heart, Cheap Trick is a live band - a bar band, if you will. They never could capture their true raw energy in the studio, and this collection proves that the stage was where they belonged.

Good luck finding a "cheap" copy of this one - word has it that it sold out pretty quickly.

MISH MASH Mandate: Hold Your Peace

 

 

Concrete Ships
In Observance

6 song LP/CD/Cassette
Bandcamp Link

This is one of those albums that magically appears out of nowhere and blows you away without warning. Hailing from the UK, the boys in Concrete Ships take every punk and hardcore influence and send them right into the blender, creating a hearty mix of wonderful noise.

The record starts off with an explosion, namely the Jesus Lizard-inspired insanity of Flotilla. It's a swift kick in the face that just rips with intensity. In the following aftermath, the band opts for a slow burn that meanders menacingly through the rest of the 5 tracks, a kind of smoldering, droning haze that never lets up. By the time we get to the last cut, We Never Were, you are simply left beautifully dazed and confused by everything that has happened up until then. 

MISH MASH MANDATE: Are You Experienced?  

The Style Council
Long Hot Summers: The Story of the Style Council
UDiscovermusic
3 LP Set

It has only taken the better part of over three decades, but it seems that Paul Weller's mid-80s exercise in unapologetic pop, The Style Council, is finally getting its due. After disbanding The Jam in 1982, Weller decided to take his music into an entirely different direction with his new group he formed with Mick Talbot. The result was a pop band that eschewed the rock and punk aesthetic that The Jam was famous for, and it more than confused a lot of fans that had worshiped at the foot of Weller in the past.

Seeing as how the The Jam fans were polarized, most of the group's newfound audience was rooted in 80s New Wave and New Romantic pop instead of punk. However, the group never really got a true foothold, and it eventually fizzled out at the end of the 80s. Weller went on to a very successful (and long-lasting) solo career, and the brief stint with TSC was all but forgotten for the most part.

Over the years, TSC has gained a better reputation, as much of the output has stood the test of time. It's a testament to the talent of Weller and his penchant for strong songwriting and consistently sticking to his guns - something he has done over and over again. 

This collection gathers up the best of TSC and gives us a rather comprehensive look at their work in the 80s, spread over 3 LPs in a beautifully packaged collection. There are only a couple of previously unreleased/rare tracks, so it may be a little redundant for serious fans (although we know they are probably going to buy it either way). But, you won't find a better way to capture the band in all their glory if you're looking for a convenient and concise package like this.

MISH MASH Mandate: Here's One That Got Away
 

 

Cheap Trick
Out to Get You! Live 1977
Epic Records

This is what RSD should always be about; great records that otherwise wouldn't see the light of day. In this case, a live record that should grace every turntable owned by fans of Cheap Trick. Forget the polished overdubbed excess of Budokan or the multitude of unofficial bootlegs floating around since the late 70s. THIS is the one you want. Captured over a few shows at the Whisky A Go Go in June of 1977, this double LP shows off the true down-and-dirty rock that made Cheap Trick famous in a live setting. 

The sound quality is great, and the show digs deep into the cornerstone early tunes that are rarely heard nowadays - such as the blistering "Daddy Should Have Stayed In High School" and "Taxman, Mr. Thief". It's not polished, it's not overly produced - it's raw power the way that Cheap Trick needs to be heard; in a small, sweaty club with the sound bouncing off the walls.

Unfortunately, it's a limited edition, but should be easy enough to grab at a reasonable price if you're on the ball. If you're a fan of CT, this is a must have for your collection.

MISH MASH Mandate: Speak Now  

 

The Violets
Athens, GA 1988 - 1992
Crooked Beat Records

When the list for the third RSD 2020 drop was released, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the Violets would be putting out a new compilation on vinyl. I was in Athens from 1991-1993, and The Violets were a main staple in the music scene. Their single, "I Hate The Grateful Dead", was a hot item in the local shops and on the UGA radio station. After that brief moment in time, they dropped of the radar, and that was that.

Fast forward about 30 years, and we're looking at the opening of a veritable time capsule; a collection of tunes from a semi-obscure Athens band, pressed on vinyl in the year 2020. Imagine being told that piece of information three decades ago, when vinyl was all but dead (even then), and absolutely no one was paying attention to anything going on in Athens (thanks, Seattle).

With that in mind, this is an amazing slice of Athenian music history. The Violets were a classic college band - part jingle-jangle and part punk, they eschewed any real pigeonholing or convenient classification. They were a group of college kids who bashed out a few great rocking tunes, and their garage-rock sound almost sounds quaint and innocent in the current music climate.

Who's this really for? Is it simply a nostalgia trip for those in the know, or is there anything to glean for those not privy to the sounds of Athens circa 1990? Let's consider the "hit" track here, which is of course, "I Hate The Grateful Dead." The track actually holds up well, and it's just as humorous as it was when it was released. Who can deny the silly-but-clever lyrics in the refrain, "I'll be grateful when they're dead"? Add to that the cover art for the original single where Jerry Garcia's head is superimposed over the face of Lee Harvey Oswald being shot by Jack Ruby, and you've got a song that should live forever in infamy.

I've always thought that the Athens scene of the early 90s was sadly underrated and ignored, and this record is a testament to that opinion. Bands like Five Eight, The Woggles, Bliss, Roosevelt, Vigilantes of Love, and others never really got their due. It's nice to see one of those bands from that era getting attention, albeit 30 years too late. 

MISH MASH Mandate: Time in a Bottle 

   

Joe Pernice
Richard
12 song vinyl LP
Joe Pernice Bandcamp 

Back in the old days (circa 2000), Joe Pernice seemed like he would release an album every few weeks. And then, he kind of disappeared, only to resurface almost a decade later last year to release a new album with The Pernice Brothers ("Spread The Feeling"). 

And then, suddenly, he decided to become prolific again. During the pandemic, he regularly posted video covers of Barry Manilow songs. Now, he has released a new album of solo tunes, also recorded under the shadow of COVID-19.

The album is a quiet and reflective take on his ususal "oh-so-happy-to-be-miserable" style of songwriting. Instead of the almost cheerful take on his misery, this one leans more into a melancholy feel. It's reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel's "Wednesday Morning, 3AM" - a quiet interlude that creeps into the recesses of your mind. I never really thought about comparing Pernice to Art Garfunkel before now, but his voice gives me that same vibe throughout this record.

It's a noble effort, and I think it is one of his strongest solo pieces. I can only hope that he continues this creative streak - it would be nice to see him putting out new material on a regular basis again. I wouldn't mind a volume of Barry Manilow tunes. Here's hoping!

MISH MASH Mandate: Bridge Over Bleecker Street
 

Plasma

Plasma

Invisible Audio

5 song cassette tape

It's always fun to run across some good old school hardcore punk that's energetic and full of pure middle finger attitude. Plasma wails away through five ear-piercing songs, presented in a continuous stream that is relentless in its delivery. The songs are quick - nothing over two minutes - and they leave you wanting more of that sweet skull-crushing volume. Nothing really new to see here, but it's killer from beginning to end. This is the way it's supposed to be done. 

MISH MASH MANDATE: Hardcore Crush

Pinegrove
Marigold 
Rough Trade Records
11 song vinyl LP

Pinegrove is one of those bands that I find hard to wrap my head around. They seem to be able to fuse together the best elements of Americana/alt country with the best elements of indie pop, but not always on a consistent basis. At times they remind me of R.E.M., especially in the twangy way they come across in certain songs. At other times, they seem as far removed from that comparison as possible. And, for this reason, it troubles me to some degree - I'm not sure why. It's an uncomfortable feeling that tends to rear its head during certain passages.

With that being said, it seems to work more often than not. I like their music, and this particular album appears to be more consistent than their previous efforts, at least on the surface. I love the pop dreariness of Dotted Line and the anxiousness of Moment. On the other hand, I quickly grow weary of the meandering drone of the title track and the whiny singsong of The Alarmist. I really think what they're doing has amazing potential, even though I've not totally bought into them wholeheartedly. I'm going to keep watching and listening, because these guys are likely to pull of a classic sooner or later.
MISH MASH Mandate: Pining Away    

Tennis 

Swimmer
Mutually Detrimental Records
9 Song Vinyl LP


This unassuming husband-and-wife pop duo made a huge splash back in 2017 with their fourth album "Yours Conditionally," a self-released indie album sensation that rode a wave of success that set the standard for vinyl releases in the age of streaming.

Now they are back, refining even further their knack for infectious pop that transcends time and space. They still have the sweet pop hooks (think of early Madonna if she was a modern day hipster), but they've managed to darken the mood a little more, giving their songs an angst that is almost palpable in this new release. There are tinges of Carole King to go along with the 80s-era pop phrasings, elevating their already amazing songwriting chops to new heights.

It's the kind of album that grows on you over repeated listenings, revealing layer after layer of sounds and melodies that seem to creep into your psyche without your full awareness. It remains to be seen if they have reached their pinnacle, or if they've got even more tricks up their sleeve. Can't wait to find out.
  MISH MASH Mandate: I Feel The Earth Move    

The Bronx
V
ATO Records
11 song vinyl LP

The Bronx has always been like listening to an aggressive gasoline fire, raging with a burning attitude and concentration that many bands can only envy. The group is back with their first studio LP in four years, and they prove beyond a doubt they still have the angst and fire. At the same time, they prove that they're not just a one-trick pony by taking the sound to a new level.

I hate to use the term "pop" when talking about these guys, because I don't want to be misunderstood in my descriptions, but they've managed to squeeze some very tasty and catchy hooks into their full tilt rage machine this time around. The surprising thing is that it really works well and it doesn't detract from the band's signature sound. Perfect examples of this are in songs like Side Effects, Two Birds, and Channel Islands, where the songwriting structure is more power pop than hardcore.

For me, it's their most interesting record to date, as it ventures out and explores some different territory without compromising what made them so great in the first place.

MISH MASH Mandate: Bronx Cheer

A Future Now Past
A Future Now Past
4 song EP
A Future Now Past Website 

Is rock dead? Not yet, it seems. This trio out of the Southeast kicks it into high gear and rips it out old school style without apology or remorse. It's a blend of smart power pop and reckless abandon that makes you wish for the early 70s and the wild west of rock music. Nothing really new or groundbreaking, to be honest, but fun to listen to.

If you dig Cheap Trick, KISS, or early Aerosmith, then this is your band for the new age of rock and roll. Pick up that air guitar and turn it up.

MISH MASH Mandate: Cheapest Trick    

The Woggles
Tally Ho!
Wicked Cool Records
13 song vinyl LP

It's hard for me to believe that the Woggles have been around for 30 years. And, somehow, they have managed to keep their edge as sharp as a knife for that entire time. Their latest LP shows that they're as hot now as they have ever been, unleashing 13 blazing tracks that leave no doubt about their staying power.

So what's their secret sauce? It's a simple formula, made up of basic three-chord rock tunes that pummel away with sheer classic garage punk fury. The sound is certainly not ground-breaking by any stretch, but they add their own cheeky flair - a wink and a nod that tells us they're in on the joke and that they're here to have fun. Nothing more, nothing less. 

Just listen to the likes of the title track, Pitch A Fit or Jungle Queen to see what I mean. The band revels with glee in being large and loud and just a little on the naughty side. The focus is on getting you up and moving, and the band is a master at that exercise. 

As with most of their studio recorded output through the years, the tracks here don't quite give you the full experience of a Woggles live show. There's a taste, but it's not the full dose. My recommendation is to buy this record, familiarize yourself with the songs, and catch them live as soon as possible. You will not be disappointed!

MISH MASH Mandate: Hot Sauce    

Queens of the Stone Age

Villains

9 song vinyl LP

Matador Records

QOTSA is back with a new studio album after a four year hiatus, and fans have breathlessly awaited to see how they will follow up 2013's ...Like Clockwork. For the new album, the boys have collaborated with hot pop producer Mark Ronson, who has worked with the likes of Bruno Mars and Amy Winehouse.

The result is a decidedly pop-oriented venture, at least as poppy as anything the band has attempted so far. Wisely, they have opted to maintain their quirky hard rock as the music's foundation instead of the other way around. The pop is piled onto the gothic and evil weirdness that made the band famous to begin with, and it shows that Josh Homme and his band are still willing to take a few chances in their decades long career. Will it alienate longtime fans? Probably not, honestly, as their fans are used to QOTSA doing its own thing. It's sort of the nature of the beast, no pun intended.

Standout tracks include the T.Rex-with-synthesizers send up Un-Reborn Again and the psychedelic space rock drone of The Evil Has Landed. Speaking of T.Rex, Homme is much like a modern day Marc Bolan with a fuzz pedal and a monster movie obsession. It will be interesting to see where they take it from here, and I can only imagine how crazy these songs will be in a live setting.

MISH MASH Mandate: Rextasy 

Refused
Freedom
Epitaph Records
10 song Vinyl LP

"Nothing has changed..." That's a line from the first cut on Freedom, and it couldn't be further from the truth. A lot has changed since 1997, the year that Refused unleashed their last and now-infamous hardcore album, The Shape of Punk to Come. How does one live up to a legendary myth almost 20 years in the making? Honestly, you just can't. It's not possible, nor should a band be expected to do so.

That being said, Refused doesn't try to relive their mountaintop experience. They wisely realize the futility and instead focus on making a killer record without looking back. Where Shape was a wild and reckless venture that flailed away in youthful angst, Freedom is streamlined with laser-like precision and destruction. It's a surgical strike instead of a carpet bombing, and the band has never sounded more determined and powerful. 

To put it bluntly, it's one hell of a rock record by a maturing rock band. Refused may not be breaking new ground, but they are making everyone aware that they weren't a flash-in-the-pan or a fluke. Some things just improve with age, and this band is one of them.

MISH MASH Mandate: Liberation Frequency
Refused Website 

Paul Weller
Saturns Pattern
Parlophone/WB
9 song LP

With a career that spans four decades, it would be easy and understandable for Paul Weller to simply phone in an album at this stage. After all, most musicians of his caliber and status are comfortable in their skin and not eager to stretch boundaries. Thankfully, Weller is not one of those artists.

Even though Saturns Pattern isn't quite as on the edge as 2012's Sonik Kicks, it shows that Weller is more than willing to continue to push the limits of his creativity and deliver songs that keep things interesting. True fans should be used to this by now, as Weller has never exactly adhered to the status quo. (I have a feeling that a fan who can't appreciate this new effort is still stewing about The Jam splitting up 30 years ago.)

The songs are tight and polished, with Weller keeping everything reined into a neat power pop package. He briefly visits a variety of genres along the way, but he never gives himself over to one distinct direction. It's a fuzzy and fleeting feeling, but it's a pleasing one. That being said, one can't help but wonder if this album could reach higher heights if he concentrated his musical diffusion into a more focused and powerful punch. This musical meandering is creatively satisfying, but it never quite reaches the level of one of his classics, such as Wild Wood or Stanley Road. 

At the same time, I don't think he needs to make either one of those albums again. Nor does he need to feed us a rehash of The Jam or The Style Council. Weller always seems to have something up his sleeve, and this album is no exception. I'm thankful he likes to keep us on the edge of our seat.

MISH MASH Mandate: Changingman
Paul Weller Website

Guster
Evermotion
Nettwerk Records
11 song LP

Guster is back, and everything old is new again. The group's familiar, somewhat dreamy pop songs haven't really changed very much, and that's actually all for the better. I say that because their pop-centered songwriting still sounds surprisingly fresh and inviting, without feeling like a rehash or a simple revisit of their late-90's/early-00's heyday. They sound like they are having fun, and it shows. 

The promise of a new extensive tour means it will be easy to catch them out on the road this year - and they have always put on a great show. Catch them if you can!

MISH MASH Mandate: Freshly Made Pop  

Whirr
Sway
Graveface Records
8 song vinyl LP

Whirr immediately overwhelms you with a wall of sound, and doesn't let up with the sonic overload until they are quite through with you. It's a shoegazer's dream, reminiscent of classic groups like My Bloody Valentine and Swans. While they definitely owe acknowledgement to their noisy forefathers, Whirr maintains a uniqueness of their own. It's a sound that somehow defines them, even though it's fuzzy in overall aural definition. Turn it on, turn it up, and ride the wave.

MISH MASH Mandate: Shoe Hazy
Whirr @ Graveface Records

Remember The Radio
Sharper Moon Rabbit
Self-Released
9 Song Vinyl LP

This is a sweet gem of a rock record, now in its second limited pressing on black vinyl for the mere pittance of $5. It's a post-punk explosion that has the edginess of Fugazi combined with the melodic meandering of R.E.M. The guitars grind into a massive wall of sound, where the emphasis is less about riffs and more about creating a palate of sonic waves that overwhelm the listener. 

I wouldn't say these guys have truly broken any new ground here, but they sure as hell sound like they're having a great time doing it - and that's what counts. And, I hear a new LP is on the way, as well.

MISH MASH Mandate: Mars Needs Guitars
Remember The Radio at BandCamp    

Big Ups
Eighteen Hours of Static
Dead Labour Records
11 Song Vinyl LP and Cassette

Listening to the Big Ups takes me back to the early days of Refused, before they became the first screamo kings of the punk rock underworld. There's a lot of swagger going on here, and the attitude is what takes it to the next level. Anybody can be a snotty little punk, but the Big Ups embrace it with desire and dedication. The result is an album that ignites into a punk-guitar-fueled fire that is a force to be reckoned with. I can only imagine what these guys sound like in a live setting, and it gives me goosebumps.

MISH MASH Mandate: The Shape Of Punk That Came
Big Ups at BandCamp 

Ty Segall
Manipulator
Drag City
17 Song Vinyl LP

If you believe the hype, this record is supposed to the the Second Coming (if not Third or Fourth) of rock-n-roll. Well, honestly, it's hard not to believe it, because it's pretty damn good. Ty Segall has ventured through the wilderness of fuzzy lo-fi in a smattering of various bands and collaborations to end up on the other side as a masterful pop rock composer.

No mistake - the fuzz is still there, the loud rawk noodling is still there, the wall of sound is still there. But there's also an unmistakable and pure pop sensibility that is shining through in all its glory. Segall has obviously been honing his skills, and it is paying off. This is by far his most solid and approachable record for the masses. 

The only downside is that it sprawls across four sides. Like most double albums, it suffers a little from being a little too much of a good thing. If the album could be trimmed down by half, it could probably be a little more powerful. But that's just the nit-picking complaint of a hack reviewer. Get this record, and get it now.

MISH MASH Mandate: Fuzz Face
Ty Segall at Drag City Records